D i S J O I N T E D

        ❛ ———It appears politeness has dulled my critiquing blade ... your sharp wit has once again corrected me,” Ilai muse, unable to help but wonder if the slave’s tongue ever got him in trouble. What a shame it would be to punish a slave for possessing a mind, not that Ilai would assume that Henry’s nature got him into much trouble in the first place. “I would say no, but I would imagine I’d get quite the thrill from watching you attempting to prove me wrong...” It had been a while since Ilai felt himself smile like this, the more genuine and slight grin he wore whenever his focus was more centered. “I wouldn’t offer for a full moon or anything, but my estate is expansive and heavily wooded. If you think you would enjoy being out there then consider this an invitation. You can run ... and I can chase.❜

        ❛ ———I am no beast and would receive no pleasure from objectifying you,” Ilai retorted, judgement lacing his tone even though he bristled uncomfortably. His list of friends was short, and only his friends got the luxury of his first name. “But since you are looking to see me sink to your level ... just fuck off. Vulgar enough?❜

        ❛ ———Yes ... most would be the better word... It’s almost like we’re living on an island full of animals.” Such a bold correction would’ve normally irritated Ilai had it not been so true and had the slave who said it not have come off as so astute. “Even quicker than the likes of me, rabbit-foot?” he teased uncharacteristically, finding the slave’s attitude toward running oddly amusing. “A question I have no interest in finding. Regardless of what they feel, you’ve given me no reason to think a run would be bad for you. I’d be curious to see what you look like when given some room to stretch your legs ... what is your name, slave?❜

       ❛ ———Mindless brutes some of them are if you ask me. I can’t see much use in a slave that’s been bloodied and battered, but then again my bloodlust has never been substantial...” Ilai often prided himself on being able to discern between the human and animal sides of him for so long, even if the reason he had no choice but to was so grim. “I can understand wanting to keep your attentions focused at least ... but a risk? You seem well-behaved, and I doubt that an omega would be difficult to monitor from afar on closed grounds. Do feeble masters and mistresses often want you? I don’t mean to pry ... but for a slave to want one thing and that thing be so simple and reasonable, I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t receive it more often.❜

        ❛ ———If I would let you finish? Are you offering me suggestions on my decorum, girl? I’d be very offended if it turned out that you had the nerve to publicly disapprove of anything I did.❜

        ❛ ———I’d imagine not, many of my counterparts seem to be much more eager to use physicality to force their wills on other,” he chuckled, shameless in his critique of some other masters and mistresses in Covaire even in the company of a slave. Ilai was pleased to converse with one that held some intelligence in their head anyways. “A run? That is all? Are you denied them for any specific reason when rented? A request like that doesn’t seem like it would be too much to offer...❜

        ❛ ———You don’t have to worry about punishment, it’s not that crucial. Try harder next time to mind your own business,” was all Ilai had to say on the matter. He was pleasantly surprised, however, especially after having to deal with such a nuisance, that at least the slaves roaming around had manners. Having to constantly instruct everyone around him on how to behave was bordering on taxing now. “Or do more to make your presence less known ... older wolves can always sense an intruder like you.❜

        ❛ ———The funny thing about apologies is that, at the end of the day, they aren’t worth shit,” Ilai growled, his fingers curling around the bars of her cage. On any other day, this girl probably would’ve been just another blank face he overlooked, but he knew what the date was and knew that this type would prove more useful than anything else. Bless his mood for making things go easier this month. “But more importantly, your apology can’t change the fact that you’ve offended me.❜